Best in education awards - Best Headteacher

Andy Truby wasn’t able to accept his Best Headteacher award in person - for reasons that tell you much about what you need to know about the man.

The head of St Thomas of Canterbury RC Primary at Meadowhead was away in Shanghai finding out all about new approaches to teaching maths.

Andy Truby's Best Headteacher award was presented by Steve Panting from Parkwood Academy to Sarah Lambert

And he’d already reported back that he’d picked up enough great ideas on the first day of his two-day visit to inspire some big plans for the future.

Andy accepted his accolade in a video in which he said it was an absolute privilege to work with such a great team.

“We are a family, and I think that’s why it works,” he added.

Key Stage 1 leader Sarah Lambert said: “Andy is very driven, he encourages us all to reach our full potential in a good way.

“He gives us lots of confidence and makes anything seem achievable.”

Assistant head Liam Colclough added: “Andy is a truly inspirational headteacher. He has been in charge of our school since September 2009 when he became one of the youngest heads in the country. He has worked relentlessly and tirelessly to raise the standards in our school, through an innovative and visionary approach to children’s education.

“Andy’s success has been recognised by the diocese as a whole and his efforts as a national leader of education complement his work in our school. The way he inspired everyone to aim high culminated in our May 2014 ‘outstanding’ Ofsted grade. I cannot put into words the amount I have learned from him and continue to do so.

“He is a privilege to work with.”

Highly commended in the same category was Wendy Wheldon, headteacher of Greengate Lane Primary at High Green.

She was invited to Westminster as one of a new national team of headteacher ambassadors selected by education charity Achievement for All 3As. Wendy was one of 18 heads appointed for the impact she has made on the lives of children with special needs or disabilities.